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Peacemaker Program

About Walsh > Peacemaker Program

The Peacemakers are upper class undergraduate students who live in the freshman dorms to serve as positive Christian role models. They work hand in hand with the Residence Life staff to promote and live the mission of the university.  The program is based from Matthew 5:9,  "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be children of God."  These students follow in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa of Calcutta and others who boldly proclaimed and lived their commitment to Our Lord.  Students are accepted through an application and interview process. 

Paul Smith will minister in his third year as Peacemaker by making a move to Alexis Hall. Paul is currently an AYA Social Studies Education major and began working in Campus Ministry as a Peacemaker the fall of 2007. As a Peacemaker, Paul works to make the social and spiritual transition from high school to college as seamless and growth filled as possible through programming, personal interactions, and collaboration with Walsh Residence Life. Besides being a Peacemaker, Paul is a member of several student clubs and organizations and enjoys participating in intramural sports.

"It is truly an awesome experience to work with freshman students, all of which God has given many gifts and talents, at this stage in their lives when they are gradually forming themselves academically, spiritually, socially, and professionally. To be able to witness and serve these freshman in their formation is definitely an honor and a privilege."



Faye Kohler is the other resident peacemaker for Alexis Hall. She is a sophomore studying Middle Childhood Education and Theology. She hopes to help the incoming freshman realize they are not alone in the transition from high school to college. As Peacemaker, Faye hopes to remain open in mind and heart as she strives to do God’s will and to minister to others through her actions and words. In addition to her role as peacemaker, Faye enjoys participating in activities both on and off campus including retreats, mission trips, and coaching gymnastics at the YMCA. 

Faye shares this short prayer to use in reflection: Dear Lord Jesus,please help me to be open to Your will in my life.I know You always have a plan and I need to trust and have faith that You will always be there for me.You say that You will never give us something that is tough to handle without also giving us help.Please help me to remember this, and continually give my worries to You Lord.

 

 



Benjamin Colston is a sophomore majoring in Early Childhood Education.Benjamin will reside in Menard Hall as a first year Peacemaker. Paul Smith encouraged him to consider the Peacemaker position where he would have the opportunity to help others grow in their faith during their time at Walsh. Very excited about this opportunity, Benjamin went through the application and interview process open to what God had in store.Benjamin is happy to help anyone in need and will try to make campus life a little easier to get used to.When not in school, Benjamin works at a summer adventure camp instructing mountain biking. He also enjoys a good game of ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Benjamin finds the words of Henry Drummond meaningful and inspiring in saying, “You will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others.”

 

 



Emily Perry will also serve the residents of Menard Hall as Peacemaker.She is currently a nursing major and began working as a Peacemaker the fall of 2009. Emily is a member of Students for Life and Campus Ministry. As a Peacemaker, she plans to pass along the acts of charity and Christian examples that were shown to her during her own freshman year. Emily spends time volunteering in the community and enjoys going on retreats. Apart from school, she enjoys reading, drawing, and spending time with her family.

"There is something to be said about the importance of Christian fellowship, especially in the lives of college students. We each have classes and work loads that we bear as students, and struggles that we have as human beings. To be able to share those daily struggles together in an environment such as a residence hall is a great experience and a beautiful tool through which God speaks to us. It is a blessing to be a part of it in this way. "